A pilot version of the second-generation 3D printer was manufactured at TVEL’s production site in Novouralsk (Sverdlovsk Region, Russia). Centrotech, a subsidiary of TVEL, is preparing to start serial production of these printers. According to the plan, production will begin by the end of 2018. The Russian-designed printer is expected to cost 20% less than its foreign counterparts.

The decision to develop industrial 3D printing technologies at Centrotech was made at the level of Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom. Centrotech will also manufacture consumables for 3D printers, such as fine metal powders.

To develop additive manufacturing within the Russian nuclear industry, TVEL established Rusatom Additive Technologies (RusAT) that will take up this task.